SHIN TY: KYLES ARE OUT TO AVENGE FINAL DEFEAT BY O BAN CA MAN ACHD AS MACAU LAY CUP CLASH LOOMS

Kyles Athletic captain Cammy Keith has revenge in mind as they face Oban Camanachd, their Celtic Society final conquerors last month, in the Macaulay Cup semi-final at Mossfield Park.

The 23-year-old halfback said: “It’s all guns blazing this time.

“We’re hurting after losing the Celtic final because we took too long to get into the game. Everyone is keen on revenge and this could be our last chance of silverware this season.

“We know we need to pull out all the stops right from the start and be much more fired up. Confidence is the key and morale has been high in training. We’re pleased to have another crack at Oban and we’ll be up for it.”

Cup holders Kyles are again likely to be without Roddy Macdonald, plagued by a shoulder injury, while they wait to see if Thomas Whyte and Gordon Whyte, both absent last week, can recover in time.

Manager James Perlich is, however, boosted by the return of Andy King as cup holders Kyles, who are still in Premiership title contention, seek to avoid Oban taking command as they did in the Celtic final.

Oban, who last won this trophy 23 years ago, are chasing a silverware double and manager Ian Hay says: “Kyles will make positional changes from the last game but we have plans to counteract that.

“They know we got on top early and they’ll be out to avoid a repeat, so it should be interesting. But after ending our trophy drought we’re keen to reach another final.”

Hay added: “We’ll be without Scott Macmillan and Daniel MacVicar but we’re pleased Craig Macdougall, who has been out with appendicitis, is set to play.”

Oban last reached the Macaulay final in 2013, when they lost to Glen Urquhart, while Kyles have won the cup 12 times to Oban’s five.

HURTING: Kyles Athletic captain Cammy Keith, right, is out for revenge against Oban Camanachd